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Dr Hugh Porter, chairman and clinical lead for the CCG, said: "The emergency department sees hundreds of patients a month who simply should not be there and potentially take the place of someone in real need.

"There are other expert services available which may be closer and quicker.

"Get to know your local NHS services and where to go. Downloading the Nottingham city health app gives all the information you need and it's free. If you're not sure of where to go, call the free NHS 111 helpline."